A WAR hero who fled to the Philippines after subjecting his terrified wife to a “horrific and terrifying attack” has been jailed for 38 months.

Former Lance Corporal Harry Mulraney, 44, a solider in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders pled guilty at Airdrie Sheriff Court to assaulting his wife at the family home in Pleaknowe Crescent, Moodiesburn, on September 8, 2013.

Mulraney seized her by the throat and compressed it to her severe injury and danger of life.

He failed to appear at court on March 25, 2014, to answer the assault charge, having absconded to the Philippines in the aftermath of the attack.

The court heard how Mulraney was in the British Army for 23 years, with 12 tours of duty, including Northern Ireland, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia. He was given an honourable discharge in 2011.

Prosecutor Gordon Crawford said: “He had been arrested the day after the assault and as soon as he was released on bail he absconded to the Philippines.

“Extradition proceedings were being organised, but he returned of his own volition and was promptly arrested on a petition warrant when he returned.”

He continued: “The evening before the assault he and his wife had been out for dinner. They returned at 5pm. He was playing loud music at home until midnight and refused to turn it down.

“This was the flashpoint and he flew at her. He had both of his hands around her neck and squeezed continually in a fierce manner. She had significant breathing difficulties and she described it as being underwater and felt her eyes bulging.

Former soldier Harry Mulraney (Image: Facebook)

“She was unable to cry out and briefly lost consciousness. When he finally released his grip her nose began to bleed, she was dizzy and disorientated. He left shortly after and she phoned the police and when they arrived she was in a very distressed state and covered in blood.

“She was taken to Monklands Hospital where she was found to have suffered very severe bruising to both sides of her neck and bloodshot eyes.

“Mulraney made his way by taxi to his mother’s home. He was traced there by police who found him still wearing bloodstained clothing.”

Speaking on behalf of his client, defence lawyer Luke O’Curry said: “He has already served 85 days in custody for this assault. The defence were seeking his medical records from the Army and there was an unexplained delay in obtaining them. He had suffered post traumatic stress disorder following his 12 campaigns with the army.

“He met his wife while a serving officer and she joined him as an army wife and she was fully aware of the demons that haunted him during his time in combat.”

The couple, the court heard, have now separated and divorce proceedings have been initiated and Mulraney intends to return to the Philippines when he is released from jail.

“There is no chance of reconciliation,” added Mr O’Curry. “He is anxious for the matter to be concluded. He is unemployed and in receipt of an army pension.”

Jailing Mulraney, Sheriff Petra Collins told him: “You have pled guilty to a horrific and terrifying attack on your wife which left her severely injured and with psychological difficulties.”

Mulraney was jailed for 28 months for the assault, reduced from three years because of his early plea, and to a further 10 months, to run consecutively, because of his failing to appear in court to answer the charges.